1.3 DEI: HR’s Leadership Role

While HR professionals continue to perform many of the traditional HR functions of attracting, selecting, retaining, and motivating employees, the role of HR continues to evolve. In the 21st century, this evolution is more critical than ever before. Today, for example, HR professionals must provide a nonreplicable competitive advantage to the firm by helping employees develop their skills and talents. Central to this is the role HR plays in fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)An organizational framework that promotes representation of diverse identities, ensures fairness by addressing individual needs, and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute., which extends beyond race, gender, and sexual orientation to include a wide range of individual differences.

HR professionals are at the forefront of creating an organizational culture that supports DEI. HR professionals encounter situations daily that impact the diversity, equity, and inclusion of all members within their organization. DEI initiatives ensure employees experience a sense that they are valued and included. The way employees feel they are treated will greatly affect the overall success of any organization. Initiatives that promote DEI include strategic hiring practices that seek diverse membership, employee development programs that ensure equity, and reward systems that fairly recognize and celebrate employees’ contributions.

HR professionals can be instrumental in helping organizational leaders make ethical decisions. They can help leaders see new perspectives that advocate for their employees. This is especially important when leaders may be guided by other incentives that don’t fully take into account an organization’s workforce. In these situations, HR can help guide leaders to adopt practices that are both ethical and beneficial for the organization’s long-term success.

The HR function aids managers in leveraging these resources through strategic hiring, ongoing employee development, equitable reward systems, and support in managing the constant changes organizations face. Over the last 15 years, 21st-century HR tactics have significantly contributed to building employee commitment and morale. These efforts, aligned with DEI principles, help implement the strategic direction within the organization, ultimately boosting productivity and preparing the organization for future challenges.